One of those trying to stop the poaching in southern Africa
is Damien Mander, an Australian who has featured in the
National Geographic magazine and been described in an
Australian television current affairs programme as a
''conservation Rambo''.

While Mr Mander did not respond to ODT emails, Mr
Smith believes he is a bona fide anti-poaching campaigner.

''The article in the National Geographic is quite
dramatic really.''

The magazine described Mr Mander as a ''a hard-muscled former
Australian Special Forces sniper with an imposing menagerie
of tattoos, including `Seek & Destroy' in Gothic
lettering across his chest''.

He trains and equips Zimbabweans to hunt rhino poachers.

Mr Smith's company became involved when Mr Mander approached
it for a Micro Aviation B22 Bantam.

His company has recently bought Micro Aviation, of Hamilton -
the country's biggest aircraft manufacturer - and is
preparing to manufacture the Micro Aviation B22 Bantam
microlight in Mandeville.

Mr Smith says the Bantam is renowned for being safe, stable
and relatively cheap to operate.

Micro Aviation was founded by Max Clear and has produced more
than 300 aircraft. Mr Clear died in 2011.